Real-World Application

The age of Big Data is here. Technological advances over the last century have created
trillions of points of data. The challenge for organizations is how to turn all that
data into useful information. People that have the skill to manage analyze and provide
decision-making insights are in GREAT demand.

Our Ph.D. program is traditional and innovative - applied and theoretical, a Ph.D.
for the 21st century. Real-world application, with real-world data, drives our student's
learning process. Take a glimpse at some of the exciting findings our students have
uncovered as they apply their learning.

Big Data - Big Change

Big Data is changing not only the way we make decisions, but it’s changing the way
we think about our health, our transportation, our finances, our communications…almost
every dimension of our lives. Translating Big Data into meaningful information is
the engine that drives discovery in Biology, Finance, Engineering, Marketing, Sociology,
Chemistry and everything in between. The Ph.D. in Analytics and Data Science at Kennesaw
State University is a cutting-edge interdisciplinary doctoral program that bridges
the divide between application and theory, between academia and industry. The program
integrates concepts from Computer Science, Mathematics and Statistics with applications
in Business, Healthcare, Transportation and Public Policy, preparing the next generation
of Data Scientists.

Process Improvement

Using a combination of Yelp reviews and Twitter data, with traditional predictive
variables, KSU students have improved sales forecasting processes for several businesses
– both large and small. Through mining Yelp reviews, students were able to provide
these businesses with unexpected consumer insights – helping them to better serve
their customers.

New Insights

Using data related to family engagement, physical wellness, mental outlook and diseases,
this analysis resulted in the development of a new segmentation taxonomy, providing
improved insights into the specific device needs of individuals as they age.

Better Strategies

Using this analysis, insights were developed related to how diseases progress and
spread throughout a human population after a natural disaster, leading to better strategies
for vaccination distribution and the optimal movement of supplies and materials.

Pattern Analysis

Using this analysis, insights were developed related to crime patterns based upon
weather data. As a result, weather forecasts could be used to contribute to determining
optimal law enforcement strategies.

Finding Relationships

Using data collected from the U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation
Statistics, KSU students were able to determine which factors caused the most delays
in airline travel and used this information to minimize travel time when flying within
the United States during the last three years. Data was also collected from the U.S.
Energy Information Administration to show possible relationships between airline fuel
and energy consumption and airline delays and cancellations. This information can
be used by airlines to help in making decisions when weather and other mitigating
circumstances make diverting and cancelling flights necessary.

Making an Impact

This analysis resulted in the identification of best practices to attract, retain
and provide support for STEM education professionals across the individual sub disciplines
of Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics and Physics in K-12 schools. The impacts include
increasing student engagement and student intention to enroll in these disciplines
after graduation. In 2015, the National Science Foundation recognized this research
with a funded award to continue the development of STEM education insights and best
practices.

Innovating Analysis

Instead of analyzing structured data from neat columns and rows of numbers arranged
on spreadsheets, this new search algorithm allows researchers to utilize unstructured
data, such as that which exists in email, tweets or texts, for example. They can also
perform analysis on video and audio files.